Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
In Russia, AWDC strengthens ties with Alrosa
Leaders from Antwerp and Russia inked an agreement in Moscow Wednesday that deepens the partnership between the Antwerp World Diamond Centre and diamond miner Alrosa.
Moscow--Leaders from Antwerp and Russia inked an agreement in Moscow Wednesday that deepens the partnership between the Antwerp World Diamond Centre and diamond miner Alrosa.
At a networking event held Wednesday night at the Belgian Embassy, an AWDC delegation and representatives from 35 Antwerp-based diamond companies met with a delegation from Gokhran, the Russian State Precious Metals and Gems Repository, top Alrosa management and other Russian diamond industry stakeholders.
There, AWDC President Stéphane Fischler and Andrei Yurin, head of Gokhran, signed a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, that commits both parties to share market information, knowledge and technology and to work more closely toward their common goal: strengthening the market for natural diamonds.
The MOU comes on the heels of a cooperation agreement the AWDC and Alrosa signed a few months ago that dictates both parties contribute to the development of a competitive rough and polished market in Russia while promoting sales of Alrosa’s rough diamonds in Antwerp.
According to the AWDC, 25 percent of Antwerp’s rough imports, a total of 22.8 million carats worth $2.8 billion, came from Russia in 2013. On average, more than 50 percent of Alrosa’s rough diamonds are traded in Antwerp, and the Belgian diamond hub is home to the largest concentration of long-term Alrosa clients, the AWDC said.
Industry leaders in both Russia and Antwerp have been forging new partnerships around the globe in recent years.
Alrosa, which has its eye on surpassing De Beers as the world’s No. 1 diamond producer in value terms over the next couple of years, has been extending its reach in the United States and recently inked a joint venture with Angolan mining company Endiama for exploration in the African nation.
RELATED CONTENT: Alrosa increasing presence in the United States
Meanwhile, in Antwerp, the AWDC has been auctioning off rough diamonds from Zimbabwe following the European Union’s September 2013 lifting of sanctions that prohibited trade of diamonds from Zimbabwe’s Marange region.
While AWDC President Fischler was in Moscow signing a new agreement with Alrosa, AWDC CEO Ari Epstein was attending a parliamentary hearing in in Harare, Zimbabwe where he delivered an address expressing the organization’s support for long-term growth in the African nation.
During the event, the AWDC presented government officials with an MOU draft covering long-term technical assistance, knowledge transfer and common value creation.
The Latest
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”